After a wildfire | OSU Extension Service

Credit: Carrie Berger (Cropped from original)

We recognize the deep and lasting impact wildfire can have on individuals, families, and communities. Whether you’ve experienced loss firsthand or are supporting others through recovery, the emotional and practical challenges can be overwhelming. This page offers tools, resources, and personal stories to provide support, foster connection, and help you navigate the road ahead.

How to assess your property

These tools and resources support how to assess your property including considerations when heading home, back on your property and around your property. It includes Oregon State University Extension Fire Program's After the Fire checklist and information from the webinar series, including how to survey for soil erosion and hazard trees.

Explore the resources

Are you a service provider? OSU Extension developed a site assessment tool to help professionals and organizations interact with landowners, provide recommendations for restoration activities, and connect them with resources. This post-wildfire site assessment tool is a guide to effective communication in initial encounters with landowners.

Site assessment tool for service providers

Post-fire resources

Episode 55: Forest Fire Recovery

In this episode of 'In the Woods,' the podcast delves into the inspiring story of Kate McMichael and Teresa Hauser, who own and manage Elk Ridge Tree Farm. The duo has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability in managing their forest, especially following the devastating wildfires of 2020.

Stephen Fitzgerald | Nov 2024 | Podcast episode Peer reviewed (Gray level)

After-the-fire guide and checklist for returning to your property

If your property has been affected by a wildfire, here is a step-by-step guide for what to do when you return after the fire. The steps will provide some organization for the process.

Dan Leavell, Stephen Fitzgerald, Carrie Berger | Nov 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Will my tree live? Assessing postfire survivability

Trees can survive wildfire, but much depends on the tree species and the amount of damage to the crown, bark and root system. Sometimes, trees can die years later.

Glenn Ahrens | Jul 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Learn to recognize hazard trees after a fire

Hazard trees are those that are likely to fail or fall. Learn to assess trees based on risk factors such as species, root damage and decay.

Amanda Rau | Jul 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Steps to reforestation success after wildfire

After a wildfire hits a property, owners can opt for natural regeneration or decide to plant seedlings. Learn the factors that drive reforestoration decisions.

Glenn Ahrens, Max Bennett | Jul 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Mitigating soil erosion after a fire

Wildfire doesn't just destroy trees — it can also cause soil to erode. The degree of damage depends on fire severity, slope, soil type, and the amount and duration of rain following fire.

John Punches | Jul 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Tax considerations for natural disasters

Disasters like fire, tornadoes and ice storms may fit the definition of "unusual and unexpected" events, but survivors face many questions about their losses and tax liability. Here are answers to 7 common questions.

Tamara Cushing | Aug 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Get more post-fire stories and resources...

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